updated 10:07 am EDT, Fri July 6, 2012

Overheating in tablet blamed on two-LED design

Apple is reverting the third-generation iPad back to a one-LED backlighting setup, as opposed to the two-LED system the tablet introduced, according to industry sources quoted by DigiTimes. The two-LED arrangement is allegedly responsible for the overheating problems people have sometimes complained of. The heat is said to be coming not only from the extra lights but the extra power needed to run them.

Apple is, in fact, claimed to be working on improving the tablet's battery as well. The changes are expected to bring the device in line with the smaller weight and thickness of the iPad 2. Apple is moreover said by the Chinese-language Apple Daily to be switching to a Sharp-made IGZO display panel, improving thinness and battery life even further. Samsung would lose orders in the panel switch.

DigiTimes' sources speculate that a modified iPad could start shipping around the holiday season. The changes wouldn't be unprecedented; Apple recently tweaked the iPad 2 to improve battery life, and made no announcement of the revision.

Simple solution

For new iPad (iPad 3) owners, simply don't turn up the brightness. I rarely exceed 50% intensity (brightness, so yes, one LED is probably enough) therefore less light per LED, generally meaning less current is pushed through the LED, generally meaning greater efficacy (light per unit electrical power consumed), which all taken together means never having a hot lap or palm! At its extreme operating conditions (e.g., poolside on a sunny day reading the web or a book) is likely the operating scenario for those claiming 'overheating.'

DigiTimes = not true

To say the source of this report has a chequered track record would be to insult weasels, shady characters and fly-by-night operations everywhere. Once in a blue moon they get something right, but when DigiTimes is the source you don't need to take it with a grain of salt, you'll need an entire salt shaker.